Two years ago Texas A&M University-Commerce sent out a request to the state legislature for a new music building.
One year later the request was approved. Now plans are underway for a building that will be finished by the time this year’s freshmen graduate.
“Music buildings are much more complex in design because of the performance and acoustic requirements. As a result, the plans have to be drawn in great detail and the building constructed with care,” said Christopher White, who was a clinician at this summers All-State Choir Camp.
The current music building opened more than 50 years ago and was designed for only 60 different music majors.
Since that time, the department has progressed to over 130 majors.
Not only will it be a new development for those who love music, it will also change the face of the campus.
The plan is for the building to be across University Drive from Gee Lake. According to White, it will dramatically change the entrance to the campus.
The importance of the building did not go unnoticed by architects.
Originally, over 120 firms vied for the winning slot, and finally Performance Architects, based in New Orleans, was chosen.
The final product will include a large performance and recital hall, as well as large rehearsal halls for the band, choir and orchestra, practice rooms, classrooms and faculty studios.
It will be close to 80,000-square feet, and several stories high. The cost for this building will be an estimated $24 million-$30 million.